Bridging Service

If you are a regular employee resigning to care for a dependent parent, spouse or child, you may want to bridge your service.

When you bridge service, you are eligible to have your previous service and benefits based on service seniority reinstated should you be re-employed as a regular employee. Employees bridging service also have in-service status when applying for jobs.

Bridging cannot be claimed retroactively—you must notify your supervisor of the possibility of bridging service in your resignation letter.

To Qualify for Bridging

State in your resignation letter that you are leaving to care for a dependent parent, spouse or child

Have at least two to three years of service seniority when you resign, depending on your master agreement or terms and conditions of employment

Ensure your break in service does not exceed six years

When you qualify for bridging, it is your responsibility to declare your in-service status on job applications.

Once you are re-hired and have passed your probationary period, your supervisor can submit a request to have your previous service and applicable benefits reinstated.

Resigning While on Maternity/Parental Leave

As referenced in your employment agreement, your break in service can be no longer than six years. When resigning directly from Maternity/Parental Leaves (without returning to work), the clock starts ticking for the six-year period at the beginning of the maternity/parental leaves. The six-year period does not begin on the date you resign. This can often mean a year has already passed when the resignation is processed.

Government Records Service Guide

Learn how to properly transfer or dispose of your records prior to leaving the BC Public Service: